Coombs:
West of Parksville is Coombs where you will find fresh produce, arts and
crafts at the Old Country Markey and Coombs Emporium.

Continuing
west on Hwy 4, you will pass Cameron Lake (excellent fishing), a long,
narrow body of water. At the end of the lake is the MacMillan Provincial
Park, a 135-hectare park in Cathedral Grove with its giant Douglas firs
and a view of Mount Arrowsmith.

Port
Alberni:
Located on Alberni Inlet at the headwater of Barclay Sound 47 km (30 miles)
west of Parksville, the island's longest inlet is 40km (25miles) from
the Pacific Ocean. Primarily a mining town (gold, copper and silver) Port
Alberni later developed its forestry industry. It is also one of the island's
main salmon
fishing centres. The town has plenty of
accommodation for visiting anglers.

M.V.
Lady Rose:
Once a passenger, freight and mail carrier, this vessel now makes a four
hour trip down the Inlet from Port Alberni to Bamfield giving visitors
an oppurtunity to experience this unique area.

Alberni
Valley Museum:
Interesting artifacts and hands-on displays are featured at this community
museum at 4255 Wallace Street.

An
unpaved road (102 km or 63 miles) leads from Port Alberni to Bamfield
and the West Coast Trail.

Continue
west along Highway 4 from Port Alberni past the shores of Sproat Lake,
home of the world's largest water bombers, the Martin Flying Tanks. Climbing
through the Mackenzie mountain range you will reach the Ucluelet-Tofino
Junction, 140 km (87 miles) west of Parksville.

Ucluelet:A base for both commercial and sport fisherman, whale-watching
and nature cruises, Ucluelet is located approximatley one-third of the
way up the Ucluelet Inlet.

Local art
and crafts are found in shops and galleries throughout the village.

Amphitrite
Point:
The Canadian Coast Guard provides marine communication and traffic service
from the Amphitrite Lighthouse (1912) which overlooks Barclay sound and
the Pacific.

Back
to Ucluelet-Tofino Junction:
Northwest of Ucluelet is Long Beach and Tofino. Long Beach (11 km or 7
miles), the Broken Islands Group and the West Coast Trail form the Pacific
Rim National Park which extends 105 km (64 miles) along the west coast.
The main beaches at Long beach provide easy access via hiking trails.
The Wickaninnish Centre provides information on the area.

Tofino:
North of the Pacific Rim National Park on Hwy 4 is Tofino. This is traditional
territory of the Nootka tribe. Tofino is a fishing base as well as a popular
destination for those interested in whale-watching, sea-kayaking, hiking
and camping in this majestic area.

West
Coast Maritime Museum/Whale Centre:
View interesting marine artifacts and native history here at the museum.
It is located in the town centre. Marine excursions are available here.

Eagle
Aerie Gallery:
Designed by Tsimshian Eagle Clan artist Roy Vickers, the gallery displays
many of his famous world wide paintings.

Clayoquot
Sound:
Clayoquot Sound stretches southeast for 65km (40miles) from Hesquiat Peninsula.
Temperate old growth rain forest grows within the sound. This area is
excellent for kayaking.

Hot
Spring Cove:
Located in the Maquinna Provincial Park this is the only known hot spring
on Vancouver Island. With an ocean view and six natural pools these springs
make for a beautiful day trip from Tofino. Boats and float planes are
available from Tofino.

Meares
Island:
Meares Island totals over 86 square kilometres with stands of centuries
old cedar and hemlock. Tours to see the island and ancient forests are
available from Tofino.

The following BC Adventure members would like to serve you:

Fish and Duck Pub & Houseboats: This is your year for the greatest vacation ever! From our picturesque location on Sproat Lake (Vancouver Island), the Fish & Duck Pub and Houseboats offers the perfect vacation getaway. Located only an hour from world famous Tofino, we have houseboats avail... more

Fresh Adventures Wilderness Tours: Guided wilderness tours in BC and Alberta. Experience the highlights of Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rocky Mountains in a small group with a professional guide. more